Resonair – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

July 16, 2021

Tetris Effect: Connected Multiplayer Update & Steam Launch Pushed to August

A month ago Enhance Games announced that Tetris Effect: Connected would be bringing its multiplayer gameplay to all currently supported devices, as well as a Steam edition this month. Having conducted beta tests over the past few weeks, it seems that the July launch was a bit ambitious with the release for all editions pushed back to August.

It’s going to be quite the epic launch by the looks of it. First, you’ve got the Steam edition’s arrival which will include support for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive (no mention of Valve Index or WMR). The Steam debut will come with a 25% discount and a bunch of extra goodies including a seven-track soundtrack sampler by Hydelic, eleven Tetris Effect-themed 4k PC desktop wallpapers and seven Tetris Effect profile avatars; only in the first couple of weeks.

And then there’s the free multiplayer update – the “Connected” part if you hadn’t guessed – for Oculus Quest, PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR, and the Epic Games Store. This will facilitate full cross-platform gameplay between all the versions so VR and non-VR players can go head to head. The update isn’t just about connecting players either. Remote Play will be unlocked for Playstation 4, bonus features will include a new Spectator Mode, as well as PAL and “Slow” speed modes; plus Oculus Quest 2 owners will get improved performance to boost the graphical fidelity.

And that’s just the bonus stuff. Originally rolled out last year for Xbox and PC via the Microsoft Store, Tetris Effect: Connected adds a multitude of different competitive modes for fans of the iconic puzzle title. These include ‘Connected’ a co-op mode where three players team up and connect their Matrix playfields in an effort to beat AI-controlled bosses. You also have ‘Zone Battle’, a PvP match using standard Tetris rules. The twist being a time-stopping Zone mechanic to easily build up lines to attack your opponent.

All of this should make the original Tetris Effect even better, quite a leap considering VRFocus gave the PC VR edition of a full five-star review, saying: “Tetris Effect has lost none of the prime gameplay quality that the series is known for, it’s still as addictive and difficult to stop playing as ever. Quite frankly, Tetris Effect is the best version of Tetris. Just as important, the title suits experienced and new VR players alike.”

Enhance Games will be launching all of this on 18th August 2021, so be prepared for some puzzle mayhem this summer. For further updates, keep reading VRFocus.

October 28, 2020

Five All-New Multiplayer Modes Revealed for Tetris Effect: Connected

By itself, the single-player Tetris Effect is a very good videogame but the upcoming multiplayer addition will help to give the title that competitive edge. Initially revealed this past summer, today, Enhance Games and The Tetris Company have announced the five all-new multiplayer modes due to be released.

The first is called ‘Connected’ – a nod to the title – introducing a co-op mode where three players are able to team up and connect their Matrix playfields in an effort to beat AI-controlled bosses. These bosses each have their own particular attacks called ‘Blitzes’ which have an array of effects from removing the hold piece to halting rotations and even adding blocks which need to be cleared twice. A variation of this mode is ‘Connect Vs’ where a fourth player can join in as the boss.

Then there’s ‘Zone Battle’, a PvP match using standard Tetris rules. But there is a twist, the time-stopping Zone mechanic which Tetris Effect’s single-player introduced. So that means once a player can activate the ‘Zone’ they’ll have the chance to build up to 22 lines before they get sent their opponents way.

The third mode is ‘Score Attack’ where two players compete separately to see who can get the best score. A variation of this mode comes in the form of ‘Classic Score Attack’ which rolls the aesthetics and gameplay back 30 years. Paying homage to pro-Tetris competitions the mode removes the Hard Drop and Hold Queue abilities, Tetriminos lockdown immediately when they touch a surface and Tetrimino’s generate randomly.

VRFocus gave the PC VR edition of Tetris Effect a full five-star review, saying: “Tetris Effect has lost none of the prime gameplay quality that the series is known for, it’s still as addictive and difficult to stop playing as ever. Quite frankly, Tetris Effect is the best version of Tetris. Just as important, the title suits experienced and new VR players alike.”

Tetris Effect: Connected will get an exclusive timed launched for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 PC (Microsoft Store), as well as Game Pass on 10th November 2020. The multiplayer expansion will then hit PlayStation 4, PlayStation VR, PC on Epic Games Store and Oculus Quest during summer 2021.

For further updates on Tetris Effect: Connected, keep reading VRFocus.

May 14, 2020

Tetris Effect Oculus Quest Review: Achieving Transcendence In Standalone VR

I’m a life-long fan of the iconic line-making game Tetris and I was excited to see it come to VR with the release of Tetris Effect in 2018 on PlayStation 4. I’ll admit, however, its move into VR didn’t really settle right with me. That is, until I played it through on Oculus Quest.

Don’t get me wrong, I adored the entire soothing journey on PS4 despite the availability of a PSVR headset sitting right there. I also tried Tetris Effect from the Epic Games Store on Valve Index for a bit before I decided that it just didn’t feel right, and never went back. With PSVR, I knew I didn’t want to see the screen door effect instead of the beautiful environments in crisp high definition. With Valve Index, I knew the cord was snaking across my living room to my seat on the couch. I was vaguely aware that at any time my relaxing moment in VR could be cut short by one of my kids tripping across the wire.

But on Oculus Quest, I found a comfy spot in the shade outside and immediately melted into a nirvana state in VR.

This is the third time we’ve reviewed Tetris Effect in VR and, in summary, everything about the last two reviews holds up here on Quest.

From the PSVR review:

“So, yes, this is indeed Tetris… in VR. But, by applying its unmatched strand of spectacular visual and musical flair, Enhance creates something with a powerful, compelling and entirely unexpected hypnotism to it. For some of you, that’ll be enough to lay down the cash without a second thought. For others, I could wax lyrical until my face goes blue and you still wouldn’t reach for your wallet. But for those of you teetering on the fence? Go on, make the jump; this is a really, really great way to celebrate an all-time great.”

And the PC VR review:

“…all of this is just slightly sharper inside practically every PC VR headset over PSVR. If you own an Index, then the winning combination of incredible screen clarity and crystal-clear off-ear headphones will bring Tetris Effect to a new level. But even on Rift S, Vive or otherwise, it’s an appreciated step up.

It’s still the case that some levels are a little harder to focus on in VR, but never to a point that should cause any concern. Tetris Effect in VR is a transcendent spectacle, a thriving biome that takes on a life of its own. Rarely has VR felt this organic. High praise for a fresh take on a gaming staple perhaps but play a level and I’d dare you to disagree with me.”

So how does the jump to the standalone hold up? Well, that’s an explanation told in two parts. First, it seems some of the visual effects that flourished so well elsewhere were sacrificed for the Quest port. You can see it in the comparison video below with things like smoke effects that seem far less detailed on Quest.

Second, though, I wouldn’t call these sacrifices dealbreakers — in fact, I would still call the Quest version the definitive way to play Tetris Effect in VR for one simple reason. Feeling the wind of an outdoor breeze on your skin while particles fly by and drums beat near your head is a moment of serenity you’re not likely to find indoors. Playing Tetris Effect that way is a real prospect with an Oculus Quest — and an utter joy — that would be very hard to achieve with a console or PC tethering you to the house.

One other note about the Quest port that’s worth keeping in mind is that the developers recommend wearing headphones and that’s certainly the right call. Nonetheless, the built-in audio solution on Quest held up relatively well with Tetris Effect as compared with some other Quest titles.

Final Score: 4/5 Stars | Really Good

The post Tetris Effect Oculus Quest Review: Achieving Transcendence In Standalone VR appeared first on UploadVR.

May 14, 2020

Tetris Effect has now Finally Made it to Oculus Quest

There’s no doubt that Tetris is one of the most iconic videogame franchises, ported to most platforms over the years in some form or another whilst inspiring countless more copies. The latest and one of the best versions was 2018’s Tetris Effect for PlayStation VR which added a whole new visual and audible dynamic. Today, it’s the turn of Oculus Quest to offer this absorbing experience.

Tetris Effect offers the same core, addictive gameplay experience the series is known for, fitting waves of tetriminos to make lines across the game board and score as many points as possible.

What Tetris Effect does is up the wow factor to give you a stunning puzzle experience. A combined effort between Enhance Games, Resonair and Monstars Inc., completing lines and particular stages will affect the music and visuals around you, becoming more elaborate and intense as you progress.

For such a simple title Tetris Effect features plenty of content, incorporating 30+ stages and over 10 challenging modes to tackle. From Journey Mode which is the main campaign to Marathon Mode which tasks you with getting the best score you can within a 150-line limit. Additionally, a special ‘Weekend Ritual’ event will take place each weekend for 24 hours. Participating players have to earn points towards a collective goal, if that’s reached then they’ll be rewarded with a special in-game avatar.

It also includes new features like the ‘Zone’ mechanic. Using this you can stop time and Tetriminos falling, helping you get out of a possible game over situation or just rack up extra Line Clears for bonus scoring rewards.

Tetris Effect will provide hours and hours of entertainment for Oculus Quest owners stuck indoors. For further updates on the title, keep reading VRFocus.

July 26, 2019

Review: Tetris Effect

There are certain videogames almost everyone the world over is likely to have played at least once, Snake is one while Tetris would also make that list. The puzzle title has been around for over 30 years, supporting practically every platform imaginable, receiving a virtual reality (VR) makeover in 2018 for PlayStation VR by Enhance Games, Resonair and Monstars Inc. called Tetris Effect. The version kept the classic gameplay and gave it a visual and audio overhaul which instantly impressed. VRFocus didn’t review that version at the time, so with the launch on PC via the Epic Games store supporting Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, it was time to dive back in.

Tetris Effect

Just like the PlayStation version, the PC edition is designed for 2D monitor gameplay with optional VR support for those that have the hardware. The PC version comes with a bunch of enhancements over the console version, with a lot of them concentrating on the visuals. So if you have the right kit, on a monitor you can enjoy 4k resolution among the very fancy features.

So before heading into VR, it’s worth checking the videogame out in 2D – whether you have a 4k monitor or not – as it’ll make you appreciate the VR experience even more. This opinion might sound a little biased towards VR but while Tetris Effect does look pretty on a flat screen and sound alright, grabbing a headset and heading into its virtual world is like night and day.

Whenever the words ‘compatible with…’ or ‘also supports…’ appear alongside a VR title it conjures up thoughts of a tacked-on experience. A videogame designed for flat monitors and then the developer thought about VR at the end. However, with Tetris Effect, this almost feels reversed. As if the developers thought ‘this would be awesome in VR’ and then thought about overall sales and made it suitable for those yet to embrace VR tech.

Tetris Effect

This is all down to what else has been done to modernise the experience. This is still Tetris after all. The same seven Tetrimino pieces fall, and you have to interlock them to make a scoring line, with the goal being as big a high score as possible. As you progress the pieces fall faster and should they make it to the top then its game over. There are new features to play with, such as storing a vital piece – generally the long straight on – for when it’s needed most. Plus you have the ‘Zone’ mechanic to stop time, highly useful for getting out of tricky situations or simply use it to improve the score.

Not only that, but there are modes galore depending on how you want the gameplay altered. Journey Mode is the core 30+ campaign which is a good starting point. Delving deeper there are the ‘Effect Modes’, first split into four, Classic, Relax, Focus and Adventurous, all of which have further sub-modes to play with. Plenty to keep most players busy. Then there’s the rather cool world map which shows you everyone else playing.

But why is the VR version the best? Well, it all comes down to how the audio and visuals work together. All the levels start with a little subtle imagery, a swimming dolphin here or the twinkling of lights there. As you move the pieces, spinning them around and dropping them into place, you’ll notice little audible cues that intertwine each and every action with the virtual world developing around you. Then as you start to clear lines – especially in groups of four – all of this begins to build into a giant crescendo of light, colour and sound. Not in a distracting way that it’ll put you off your game – although sometimes the urge to stop and just take it all in is irresistible – more of an uplifting, adrenaline-inducing occurrence, heightening the whole experience. None of which resonates from the 2D version, it’s a feeling only VR can provide (which the screenshots don’t do justice to).

Tetris Effect has lost none of the prime gameplay quality that the series is known for, it’s still as addictive and difficult to stop playing as ever. Quite frankly, Tetris Effect is the best version of Tetris. Just as important, the title suits experienced and new VR players alike. The former get hours of engrossing gameplay while the latter get to see why VR is worth getting into. Just remember to take the headset off once in a while.

100%

Awesome

Verdict